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In randomized trials, including ALLHAT (Journal Watch Jan 14 2003), investigators have compared different classes of antihypertensive drugs to determine their cardioprotective effects beyond simple blood-pressure lowering. In another such trial (VALUE), researchers randomized 15,245 hypertensive patients (minimum age, 50; mean BP, 155/87 mm Hg) in 31 countries to receive the angiotensin-receptor blocker valsartan or the calcium-channel blocker amlodipine. Doses were titrated over 6 months (daily maximums, 160 mg and 10 mg, respectively), and agents from other drug classes were added sequentially, as needed, to achieve a target BP of <140/<90 mm Hg. All subjects had at least one cardiovascular risk factor; 92% had received antihypertensive t…